Chances are, at one point or another, you will have to turn to someone else to take care of your dog. Perhaps you’ve accepted a job assignment that will keep you out of town for a month. Maybe you will finally embark on that long-awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, you need someone trustworthy and trustworthy to take care of Rover. While some dogs do better at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better in a kennel. Consider your dog’s personality and needs before making a decision.
Things to know early on: For kennels, pet sitting is a business. Its success depends on both the volume and the quality of care. Kennels take care of many animals at the same time and will probably keep your pet in a cage or pen. Don’t expect a kennel to give your pet the same kind of attention and affection that you do; it just won’t happen. But good kennels employ people with a natural love for dogs who will be kind and gentle and who will care for your pet to the best of their ability.
Kennel Options – Most veterinary offices offer boarding services. While veterinary office care may be limited, with smaller cages and limited opportunities for exercise, many people, especially those whose animals have medical needs, feel safer leaving their pets with a trusted veterinarian. Other owners turn to private kennels that can range from simple to luxurious. The few facilities do not differ much from veterinary offices. The cages are usually small and exercise is limited to two walks a day. Pricier facilities offer mixed playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise areas, larger tracks in lieu of cages, and grooming services (all of which may have an additional charge). Luxury dog friendly hotels are all the rage in some areas. Your dog can get a massage, a bath and a haircut, obedience training, soothing music, and plush bedding while you are away.
Where to start: Regardless of the level of care you decide on, there are some basic things to know and do before making a final decision about where to house your pet. Price, comfort, health and safety are valid concerns. After all, you are entrusting someone else with one of the most emotionally valuable things in your life.
Ask your friends, neighbors, family, and your veterinarian or dog trainer for recommendations. Then do a little background check. If your state requires licenses and inspections, make sure the kennels you are considering are in good order. Also ask if the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding Kennels Association. This trade association promotes professional standards, requires members to subscribe to a code of ethics, and offers accreditation for professionalism, safety, and quality of care. If you are satisfied that a kennel meets the basic requirements, schedule a visit.
What to look for: First impressions are important. Smell the air as soon as it comes in. There should not be a strong antiseptic odor or odor of urine or feces. A little antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, but if smells assault your nose as you walk through the door, you may want to consider another kennel.
Find a pleasant environment. Do the currently boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the front of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie on their back and do not interact are a bad sign. Are the staff competent, trusting, friendly and attentive or do they seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient number of workers or are they short and overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing to show you where your dog will be staying and the exercise areas? If not, cross this off your list.
Take mental notes as you tour the facility. Are the dog beds clean? Find clean food and water bowls without slag or floating objects. Are the slopes clean or is there feces lying around? It’s impossible to keep every ride clean 100% of the time, but you will be able to tell the difference between dirt and fresh deposits. Is the kennel yard littered with debris? Does the building need a serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look at the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of a clean area for pets. Take a tour of the outdoor exercise areas and races. Are they protected from the elements? Is the noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible to prevent dogs from barking, especially while someone is walking through the premises, the kennel should not be overcrowded to the point where dogs are constantly barking. Take a look at the activities on offer. Be especially aware of how aggressive dogs are handled.
Brass Studs: If your first impressions are favorable, go for the details. You need to know if pets need to be up-to-date on vaccinations. Some kennels now require your dog to be vaccinated against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels will allow you to carry your dog’s regular food. Not only does it reduce your costs, but it also helps your dog adjust to kennel life. If it is important for your pet to follow his usual diet, ask; don’t just assume. What veterinary services are available? Does the kennel have a vet on duty? You may prefer that the kennel call your vet if necessary. Make this information available and inform your veterinarian that your pet will be staying in a kennel while you are away. Ask questions about feeding times. If your pet needs regular doses of medication, make sure this service is offered. Find out how much exercise your dog will get and how often he is allowed to go to the bathroom. Can you bring your dog’s bedding and favorite toy from home? Is it important to you that a staff member is on the property 24 hours a day? If so, make sure this is the case in your chosen installation. Make sure you get a breakdown of the charges. Some services are included in the basic daily rates, others are not. If price is an issue, arrange the details in advance so you won’t be surprised when you get home. And last but not least, trust your instincts. If you just don’t feel good about a particular kennel, go somewhere else.
Prepare your pet: So, you have taken all the preliminary steps and selected a kennel for your pet. Now you must prepare Rover for his stay. If the center offers dog sitting services in addition to longer-term care, give your pet a chance to try it out. Take it once or twice just for the day. Pay special attention to their first impressions and reactions. Ask the staff about their behavior and interaction with the other animals.
Make sure your pet knows the basic commands. Make sure he is up to date on vaccinations and flea free (most kennels require it). If your pet is going to be in the kennel for a long time, you may consider trying out a weekend outing. This allows you to resolve any issues before the longest stay. If necessary, teach your dog to sit up before being petted or fed and to walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him with strangers, especially if he will be provided with medication or kennel care. Make sure he is used to a cage if he will be in one in the kennel. It will make the stay less stressful and scary for your pet.
Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not even kennel staff who are used to working with all animal personalities. If your dog has unusual fears, aggression triggers, or other idiosyncrasies, be honest for the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Let them know if Rover doesn’t have reliable house training, hates men, or eats things he’s not supposed to do.
Kennel Day: Exercise the Rover before handing it over to the kennel staff. Leave the children at home. Walk through the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you’ll see him soon, and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs, and tears will only stress your pet (and you). He won’t hate you for leaving. Go have fun.
Coming home: One last thing, don’t be surprised or alarmed if your dog segregates and sleeps a lot when you get home. He is not upset with you nor has he had a very bad time. Dogs in kennels are awake from dawn until night. They are enthusiastic about the barking of the dogs, the meal times, and the visitors who pass by. It may just be out of stock.
Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those times when your pet has to be left behind. Do your homework and find the best facility for you and your pet. It is worth the time. Your peace of mind and the health of your pet are your reward.